Jump Chain Gothic 5 - Merlin
Part 14
Wilderness. Albion.
While I had no passion for hunting, it wouldn't do me any good to refuse the prince when he invited me to on a hunt with him, so here I was walking through the woods with crossbow in hand. If nothing else it was good to get out of the city and away from my talkative cousin for a few hours. She was nice girl, but she got bored easily and liked to chat with people.
"Merlin, do you even understand the concept of being quiet?" Arthur was asking his manservant.
I saw Merlin shrug. Clearly he wasn't too concerned if his boss didn't get to kill anymore animals.
"You've got two rabbits, that's enough" replied the young warlock.
The prince had an annoyed expression on his face, as he often did when looking at his manservant. Although to be fair the young warlock's clumsiness had scared away some of the game.
"A deer would have better" Arthur argured "And I almost had one".
He was about to say more, but this was when all heard a woman scream somewhere in the distance.
"Did you hear that?" Merlin asked.
To my enhanced senses the yell had been quiet clear. I could even tell that it had come from the mouth of a young woman who wasn't that far away.
"Quiet!" Arthur commanded.
When the next scream reached our ears I could tell where it was coming from, and so could the prince. We both grabbed our swords from the servants who were carrying them and ran toward the source of the sound. It wasn't normal for women to go on the hunt so I had one of the palace's servants with me today.
What we found were four thugs who were surrounding a well-dressed man and woman. The man had graying hair and a mustache; the girl looked to be even younger than Arthur, but it was hard to tell as she had the hood of her travelling cloak up. The man was doing his best to shield the woman while the thugs demanded money from them and threatened them with physical harm.
Both of them carried intricately carved wooden staves, each topped with a large blue jewel. Oddly the staffs didn't look that different than those that were carried by the Priors of the Ori, and I knew them to be magical staffs which could be used to fire blasts of energy at a foe. How someone could look at such a staff and not think they were supernatural totally eluded me.
Putting those observations aside I lifted and aimed my crossbow just as Arthur pulled out his crossbow again and fired an arrow straight into a thug's heart. My arrow went into a man's leg as my hope was to question him, and take him prisoner so that I could confirm that this was in fact a staged event.
I knew that this scene had been scripted by the two well dressed people, and this bit of theatre was for the prince's benefit, to allow him to save the damsel in distress, and give her an excuse to get close to him. It was part of a plan to kill the prince, but I could worry about that later.
The two remaining men who could still be a threat, looked around and quickly spotted us, we weren't exactly hard to miss. One thug raced at Arthur, while drawing his sword. Arthur dropped the crossbow, drew his own sword and met the blow. I also drew my sword and charged the remaining thug.
Unlike when sparring or duelling in a contest a real sword fight lasts seconds with the more well trained swordsmen easily defeating the lesser skilled warrior. A Knight of Camelot not only had the best training, we had the best weapons too. As such both the prince and I quickly defeated these bandits. Ending their lives as we'd been trained to do in these situations.
Unfortunately the man who'd I shot with the crossbow with the intention of only wounding him had died when Merlin had dropped a tree branch on his head. I was sure that Merlin had only meant to knock the man out in order to prevent his escape or to stop him from stabbing either the prince or I in the back. It was impressive that the man had been able to stand up with the wound I'd given him, never mind hobble anywhere.
This was disappointing, but thinking on it I doubted anyone would believe the robber in any case. Uther wouldn't not when two people of what appeared to be a higher station told the king a different story. Besides there wasn't any physical evidence anyway.
The thugs' would-be victims were clinging to each other, and while they were magic users intent on trading the prince's soul so that the girl become an immortal fairy, or something like that, they were also very good actors. I could see why the prince would believe what he was seeing.
"Are you all right?" Arthur asked. "Did they hurt you?"
The woman turned to Arthur and lowered the hood of her cloak.
"No. Thanks to you. I'm Sophia, and this is my father" she said.
She was cute I guessed, but she looked too young for my taste. The prince however seemed rather taken with the young woman.
"Arthur Pendragon, at your service" the prince replied.
The prince then kissed Sophia's hand, and I heard Merlin suppress a snort of amusement. I just frowned and wondered if I should do something about this or let events take place as they did in the show. After all it wasn't my destiny to safeguard the prince.
I quickly decided that for now I'd just wait and wait.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
Once we returned to the castle the prince brought the two travellers before the court. I followed them since I was a knight of the realm and therefore had a place at court. Once the court was in session the man bowed before speaking.
"My name is Aulfric, heir of Tír-Mòr. This is my daughter, Sophia" said the magical creature in mortal form.
Aulfric gestured to his daughter, who curtsied like a proper young lady.
"You're a long way from home," Uther commented. "What brings you to Camelot?".
An evil plot, that was what.
"Our home was sacked by raiders," Aulfric replied. "We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry".
At this point I couldn't help noticing that Morgana, who currently sat in a chair at the king's side, was looking very uncomfortable. She must have foreseen Arthur's possible death at the hands of Sophia.
"These are dangerous times," Uther observed. "What will you do?".
"We travel west to Caerleon where we have family, and what we hope will be a new life" Aulfric said.
While I didn't know of much of Caerleon in this world and time I did know that in my world of birth, Caerleon was a suburban town and community, situated on the River Usk in Wales. It wasn't that far from where I'd been born, or would be born, assuming that I had a, or would have, a counterpart in this world
"You must stay here a while, break your journey," Uther offered. "A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot".
Once more Aulfric bowed and Sophia curtsied. A moment later a steward stepped forward to show the visitors to some room they could wait in while rooms were prepared. I saw Arthur and Sophia smile at each other as she exited the room, whatever enchantment she'd cast on the young prince had done its work very quickly.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
"Make sure you put her in a decent room," Arthur ordered as he walked into his chambers.
He tossed his sword and gloves onto his bed. Knowing that they would be take care of soon enough.
"Yes, Highness" Merlin said as he followed Arthur into the prince's bedchambers "I believe the room next door is empty, shall I have her put in there?".
Merlin was finding this amusing. Arthur was clearly smitten, and as of yet he hadn't discovered that there was something sinister going on.
"The one next door's fine," Arthur agreed, while taking off his jacket. "Excellent, in fact".
Arthur glanced over his shoulder, and saw Merlin smirking at him.
"Shut up, Merlin" he ordered.
"I didn't say anything!" Merlin protested.
"You didn't have to," Arthur retorted. "I'll have you know that my intentions toward Sophia are completely honourable".
Well maybe not totally.
"Oh yes, I'm sure I'll be hearing a happy announcement by the end of the week," Merlin teased. "I'll make sure that your fair maiden has every luxury Camelot has to offer, in her own separate bedchamber" .
The young warlock walked out of the room before Arthur could formulate a response to that.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
There was rapping at my chamber door, as if someone was gently tapping. Then the noise became more urgent, someone needed to speak with me.
"Enter!" I called out.
The Lady Morgana closed the door behind her after she walked in.
"I had another dream" she said.
She didn't even bother with a greeting, so I knew that this had to be important, not that I hadn't already know what this was all about I was just mildly surprised that she'd come to me, and that she was being so direct. She was normally more secretive about special talent, and given her guardian's feelings towards all things magical I didn't blame her.
"Another nightmare?" I asked.
Morgana nodded, and I frowned. I didn't wish to lie to her, but nor could I just come out and admit the truth. So for now all I could do for her was try to be supportive. The day would come when I showed the Cosmic Warehouse and the reality of who I was, but now wasn't the time.
"I saw Arthur lying underwater, he was drowning" Morgana said in a frantic tone "And there was a woman, standing over him, watching him die. And she's here, in Camelot!".
Slowly I stood up and placed what I hoped was a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Did you have the dream before she came to Camelot?" I asked.
"Yes," Morgana confirmed, as her body shaked "It was so real, so vivid. I saw him die. She's going to kill him".
She hugged me, and it was a pleasant feeling despite how upset Morgana happened to be.
"Arthur's already falling head over heels for her" I said "and they only met a few hours ago, I did think that was odd".
Her ladyship broke off the hug.
"We must keep them apart!" Morgana exclaimed.
That might work. Sophia and her father were staying because the king wanted them here, but his hospitality wasn't without limits, they could overstay their welcome. So it should be possible to the prince away from Sophia and ruin their plans, although if Arthur wanted to spend time with a girl there actually wasn't much we could do about it. At least not without exposing who I really was.
"We might not be able to keep them apart" I said "But we can keep an eye on them. This Sophia won't be able to harm Arthur if one of us is always with them".
Morgana smiled and I knew then that I'd spoken the right words.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
"Is the prince here?" I asked, after he had let me into his highness's chambers.
Before Merlin could answer, Arthur also walked in from the adjoining chamber, which I assumed was his privy.
"I'm taking Sophia for a ride today," he announced.
This had to be prevented. If nothing else keeping them apart was important for my growing relationship with Morgana
"You've got the patrol, remember?" Merlin stated.
"I know," Arthur said casually. "Which is why I need you to cover for me."
This is when I spoke.
"Highness you can't abandon your duties just to spend time with a pretty girl. You do have a kingdom to help run" I protested.
At this point Arthur looked as if he was being pulled in two directions.
"I promised Sophia I'd take her out, and if I don't turn up it'll blow my chances," Arthur said.
Thinking fast I figured out what to say.
"You could send a gift as an apology, and then invite her to the archery contest" I suggested "I'm sure she'd enjoy being able to sit at your side for the contest and the feast that Uther is having for the visiting nobles. That way you can spend time with her without failing to complete your duties".
I would have to get myself assigned to the patrol in order to make sure that he joined it. But that wouldn't too hard as even a patrol heading out to the nearest villages would welcome a knight in their ranks, this was after all a dangerous land.
(Line Break)
Lake. Albion.
Merlin hid behind a tree as Aulfric called out into the night air.
"I seek an audience with the Sidhe elders! Do tiag-sa ar idbairt do denam!" he yelled.
A strong wind swept through the surrounding trees as a faintly glowing mist formed over the lake. Several small bright lights emerged from it, and began whizzing around at high speeds. Merlin tried to make out what they were, but they sped up and were joined by more lights making it a confusing sight that was hard to focus on.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold, and time slowed down, or at least seemed to. The trees grew still, the waves by the lake grew sluggish, and the lights slowed enough for Merlin to recognize that they were blue-skinned fairies. Only these were not the small and pretty creatures that some people believed in, these were scary look things with spikes and fangs.
"I come before you to plead for the chance to win passage back to Avalon, and a life of immortality!" Aulfric shouted out.
Aulfric looked around. For a few moments, there was no response to his plea, but then a fairy flew right up to his face and pointed an accusing finger at Aulfric.
"Your punishment for killing another Sidhe is a mortal body and a mortal life," the fairy announced. "You will never be able to return to Avalon!".
"The crime was mine, not my daughter's," Aulfric said.
"The gates of Avalon remain closed to your daughter," the fairy stated, "unless the soul of a mortal prince be offered up to them".
Merlin felt a knot of something cold form in his chest upon hearing that part.
"Thank you!" Aulfric replied. "An immortal life for my daughter is all that I desire, so I promise you the soul of the greatest prince of all... Arthur Pendragon!"
The fairy hissed, and flew away. The other fairies joined him, and they all flew back into the mist. The mist dissipated, and the lake once again appeared ordinary. Then when Aulfric turned around. Merlin quickly pulled his head back behind the tree.
(Line Break)
Cosmic Warehouse. Outside of Reality.
So as to ensure that matters were progressing much as I expected them to I'd dispatched cloaked probes that were under Cortana's control to watch both Sophia and her father. Despite my efforts the prince and the mortal fairy girl had been able to spend some time alone. Enough for Sophia to work her magic on Arthur.
I had to slow the hologram down before I could see anything, and even then the words exchange between the glowing lights and Sophia's father was just like the buzzing of insects. Still I didn't need to hear what was being said in order to understand what was going on.
Aulfric, Sophia's father, had just struck a deal with the leader of Sidhe, the fairies, to exchange the prince's soul for an immortal life as a fairy for his daughter. In order to do that Sophia would need to be able to control the prince to the extent that he'd willingly go to this death.
Which was why they'd set up that scene with the bandits back in the woods. Arthur couldn't simply be drowned in the lake, if that were the cause the two mortal fairies would have tried to grab the prince while he was out hunting rather than have Sophia seduce him.
While I was keeping an eye on events my intention was not to interfere too much as saving the prince was Merlin's job not mine. My main interest in keeping Aruther alive was that Morgana would be heartbroken if his highness died.
It was clear to me by now that she wanted to get closer to me, but that might change if Arthur died. So Merlin better do his job or I would have to do it for, which would be a pain in my ass as I still had an archery contest to sort out.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
"Avalon" Gaius said, sounding utterly amazed. "What you saw at the lake, it's Avalon, it must be!".
The young warlock had just finished describing what he had seen at the lake to his mentor.
"What's that?" Merlin asked.
"The land of eternal youth" Gaius explained. "Mortals are only supposed to glimpse it the moment before death!"
Although no one could be sure of that since anyone who might have seen it would have died seconds later.
"Well, I've seen it, and I'm still here," Merlin pointed out.
"Extraordinary! What did it look like?" Gaius wished to know.
There was no time for Merlin to go into details.
"They're going to sacrifice Arthur and we don't even know who they are yet" the young warlock said.
"Well, we do now," Gaius said, while tapping the cover of a book "Judging by the writing you saw on Aulfric's safe and what you saw at the lake I believe we're dealing with the Sidhe".
Something about that word unsettled the young warlock.
"That does not sound like a good thing," stated a worried sounding Merlin.
The expression on his mentor's face confirmed that it wasn't.
"They're masters of enchantment," Gaius told his ward.
"Do you think Arthur's been enchanted?" Merlin wondered.
Gaius nodded.
"Almost certainly" he said.
Merlin frowned and realised that he was going to have to do something about this as the prince was in great danger.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
The archery contest was going well, the skilled archers had been separated from those who lacked true talent during the tryouts, now only experienced hunters and guardsmen with skilled with bow were competing. As predicted the crowd seemed to be enjoying the contest, and many were routing for someone they knew rather than some knight they'd never even spoke to.
After every round those that missed the target were removed from the contest and the targets were moved further away from the competitors. This meant that only the most skilled of archers would have a chance to win the golden arrow, which was currently resting on a velvet cushion on a stool that was next to Arthur.
Alas on the other side of the prince, who as planned was playing host to this event, was Sophia, who despite efforts made by myself and Morgana, had been able to enchant the young noble, bringing him under her control, at least to some extent. Of course she couldn't take him to the lake and drown him with all these witnesses around so he was safe for as long as this event carried on.
While Arthur's life and soul were on the line here I couldn't help feeling pleased by how things were progressing. My contest was a success, and since Morgana wanted to keep an eye on the prince she'd come to this even with me. She was sitting at my side, and I liked that.
That little enjoyment came to end when it became time for the prince to present the winner of the contest with the golden arrow. While the people were happy enough with the outcome, and the winner, who was a humble guardsmen didn't seem putoff, I couldn't help noticing that the prince barely paid attention to his duty, he kept his eyes firmly locked on Sophia.
Still the crowd cheered and the rain didn't start until after the prise was handed over so the event was a success. No doubt there would be much drinking and celebrating going on indoors. As for Morgana and I we had feast to attend, and at least we'd able to keep an eye on Arthur while that was going on.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
The next day, Arthur requested an audience with the king, I along with other members of the court gathered while Arthur stood with Sophia and Aulfric. This wasn't the kings first appointment of the day, and already several matters had been brought to his majesty's attention and once he had decided on a course of action certain members of the court ensured that the king's orders were carried out. There had been nothing to concern myself with until now.
"I requested this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance," Arthur announced.
Uther looked up from the sheaf of reports that he had been perusing, and with a nod he let his son know that he was listening,
"It cannot have escaped your attention that I and Lady Sophia Tír-Mòr have grown very close" the prince said.
No one could have missed it. Cameron had told me last night that it was the main source of gossip down in the kitchens.
"Rather too close, it would seem," Uther commented in a tone that was something disapproving.
He glanced at Morgana, who was making no effort to conceal her displeasure at Sophia, I didn't doubt that she'd mentioned something about her feelings to the king, however she hadn't spoke too much about it, I could tell that as the monarch seemed happy when he looked at Morgana rather than concerned about his ward's dreams.
"We're in love," Arthur stated. "Which is why I come before you today to ask your permission to marry"
For a few moments, there was total silence. Then Uther burst out laughing.
"I assume you're joking" he said
Arthur looked bewildered by this response.
"No. I'm going to marry her" he insisted.
The general mood in the room was that of confusion.
"But you only met a few days ago," Uther pointed out.
"We're in love," Arthur insisted.
"In love," Uther repeated. "We had no idea you were such a romantic, had we, Morgana?".
The king turned to his ward once again.
"No," Morgana said flatly. "It's like he's fallen under her spell".
Uther didn't seem to pick on what his secret daughter was hinting at.
"I'm going to marry her," Arthur declared. "I don't care what you think about it".
His bold statement made the court members whisper among themselves, and the king realised that his authority was being challenged.
"I thought you'd come to ask my permission" said the ruler of this land.
"Out of courtesy, nothing more." Arthur replied as he turned away and offered his hand to Sophia.
They made to exit the council chambers, however the monarch was not going to let his son get away so easily. His authority over his son was slipping away, and all could see it.
"Guards, door!" Uther called out.
The guards crossed their pikes and barred the doorway. Arthur and Sophia stopped in their tracks as Uther rose to his feet.
"Have you forgotten whose court you're standing in?" he asked.
"You won't stop me," Arthur warned. "If I want to marry her, I will".
Uther shot Arthur a look of exasperation, and even if I hadn't already known what was going to happen I would have been able to see it coming.
"Arrest Sophia and Aulfric Tír-Mòr" the king ordered.
The guards moved to obey Uther's command, and Arthur took a step towards his father.
"What are you doing?" the prince demanded to know.
His father did not respond to that right away.
"And inform the executioner that his services will be required first thing tomorrow morning" Uther ordered.
No one other than the prince seemed willing to protest this unfairness.
"You can't do this," Arthur protested.
"Yes, I can, and unless you show me some respect, I will" the king promised.
Arthur glared at his father for a few moments before hanging his head and Uther nodded in approval.
"Release them" the king said to the guards, before turning to address his son "You've got your whole life ahead of you. Sophia is no doubt your first love, but she certainly won't be the only one. Enjoy yourself while you can".
Arthur bowed before exiting the council chambers, and I knew that in a matter of hours Merlin would either save the young prince or he'd would drown in the lake. I decided that I would also be close by just in case things didn't go as expected
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
Once again I stood by as the Prince spoke to his father in front of the whole court. Currently Uther was standing in front of his throne.
"When you failed to show up for patrol this morning, I feared you had eloped with Sophia in a fit of passion" he said.
Arthur, whose memory of recent events must be jumbled, seemed confused, but he soon figured out something to say.
"After Sophia left, I wanted to take my mind off her, so…I went for a hunt" the prince said.
I looked at Morgana as she raised an eyebrow and gave the prince a skeptical look.
"And killing things mends a broken heart?" she asked.
Like me she didn't approve of the needless killing of animals. Hunting because you needed food or furs for clothing in a cold environment was fine, but hunting for sport didn't sit well with some people.
"No, but it's good fun," Arthur replied cheerfully "Merlin was meant to inform you that I wouldn't be back until later today"
Uther turned back to Merlin, who tried not to wilt under the king's gaze. I expected the poor lad to end up in the stocks, but Uther just sighed and shook his head.
"I expect you to join me for the council meeting tomorrow" the king then said.
The prince made a quick bow.
"Of course, Father" he said.
And with that he left.
(Line Break)
Camelot. Albion.
Morgana left my chambers, and while she wasn't exactly happy her mood had improved since the last time she'd been in here, and she seemed grateful for what I had done. As soon as she was gone Cameron came up to where I was sitting.
"You're doing well with her, Master" she commented.
Yes my plan to recruit her ladyship as a companion was progressing well. She was coming to trust me, to see me as someone that she could confide in. While I felt a little bad about manipulating her feelings it was for the best, and not just for me.
I didn't want her to end up some hateful woman who spent all her time plotting to kill her own family. That was no life for anyone, and I didn't want her life to be wasted because her powers could be put to good use, uses that served my goals.
Also while I'd not had to do anything to safeguard Arthur I had been at the lake I'd been able to grab one of the two Sidhe staffs, Merlin had taken the other, and since it was so like the kind of staffs that a near-ascended human could use to boost their powers I hoped to be able to combine the two kinds of staffs into something that boosted all my powers.
"And my position here in Camelot is also improving with the success of the archery contest" I stated.
I hadn't enjoyed the event myself as I'd been too distracted by other things going on, but the people had been entertained as hoped morale had improved. Hopefully the contest would become a yearly event so that next time I could pay it more attention.
"How soon will you try to have a vision so that you can go on a quest and prove yourself?" Cameron asked me.
I considered this.
"Within the next few days" I told my cyborg protector "Assuming nothing comes up".
I didn't think I was pure of spirit enough to go a proper quest, but I had ways around that. If praying to the Triple Goddess didn't do the trick I'd have to make a quest of my own. Which wasn't an option that set well with me, but it might be necessary.
Which wasn't to say that I didn't other options. There were other ways for me to gain influence and a higher position at court, but there was no rush as I still had plenty of time. For now I was going to put my feet up and do a little light reading.